Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Thursday, 24 March 2011

Draycote Water

Blue Tit


After a slight mist and early morning coolness, the sun soon shone, burning off the mist and the temperature rose, making a very pleasant spring day. Unfortunately, I was again overdressed, despite leaving off several layers, and was quickly sweating profusely. Had I been at a quieter location, I would have been tempted to strip to underpants and t-shirt! However, Draycote is not really the place! Note to self - pack some shorts!

Yet again, the reservoir was very quiet, with reduced numbers of birds on the water. However, I still managed a tick list of 54 bird species. The fields below Farborough Bank held 100+ Fieldfares with 20+ Redwings and 60+ Starlings. Six Meadow Pipits flitted along the bank and views were had of five Buzzards and one Sparrowhawk. Chiffchaffs were calling well with at least five being seen and heard around the site. An Oystercatcher flew over Toft Shallows but did not land. Goosander numbers were well down with only four females being seen. A Curlew flew off the golf course and directly along the length of Draycote Bank, but again was not seen to land. Three male and one female Shoveler were off the inlet and the longstaying drake Scaup hugged the distant "M" buoy, and refused to come in closer. Even the arrival of Francoise (Scaup Magnet) failed to persuade the Scaup closer!
Interestingly, I have not seen a Dabchick at Draycote for several months.

Finally, a chat with Richard M and Mark P on Farborough Bank, who were spending their time counting Buzzards.

 A list of sightings can be found at the end of this post.


Goosander

Carrion Crow

Great Crested Grebe

Kestrel

Coot


Todays Sightings:

Starling; Wood Pigeon; Song Thrush; Blackbird; Chaffinch; Goldfinch; Carrion Crow; Robin; Chiffchaff; Dunnock; Great Tit; Rook; Mallard; Coot; Tufted Duck; LBB Gull; Cormorant; Grey Heron; Black Headed Gull; Herring Gull; Pied Wagtail; Great Crested Grebe; Meadow Pipit; Wren; Goldeneye; Canada Goose; Magpie; Fieldfare; Goosander; Redwing; Mute Swan; Reed Bunting; Buzzard; Green Woodpecker; Oystercatcher; Teal; Common Gull; Gadwall; Blue Tit; Bullfinch; Jackdaw; Moorhen; Wigeon; Curlew; Long Tailed Tit; Pheasant; Yellowhammer; Skylark; Shoveler; Scaup; Greenfinch; Kestrel; Sparrowhawk; Great Spotted Woodpecker.
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6 comments:

  1. ShySongbird24 March 2011 at 18:20

    Just been catching up with your last few posts Kevin, lovely photos as always.

    I haven't seen a Dabchick there lately either!

    Regarding your comment on being overdressed I saw on a reply on a post dated March 22nd on Richard's (Mays) blog that soon the 'zillions' would be out at Draycote in bra and pants and in his words 'that's only the men', perhaps he had you in mind ;)

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  2. Kevin Groocock24 March 2011 at 20:03

    Cheers ShySongbird. The Dabchick issue is rather worrying as they are usually guaranteed at Draycote. I would be very impressive in bra & pants! LoL!

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  3. Kah-Wai Lin24 March 2011 at 21:10

    Nice series of images!

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  4. Kevin Groocock25 March 2011 at 05:21

    Cheers Kah-Wai.

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  5. Clive A27 March 2011 at 05:47

    Hi Kevin, interesting that you are missing your Little Grebes down there. At Carsington we have had practically non since the big freeze.

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  6. Kevin Groocock27 March 2011 at 08:21

    Hi Clive, thought you were going to say you had plenty at Carsington (like the GN Divers)! Seriously though, I think they have suffered since the freeze. Managed to find a pair at Marsh Lane (smaller water)a few days ago. Hopefully, they will return.

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